BC Platforms has announced that it will collaborate with Microsoft to use the Microsoft Azure cloud platform and services to provide integrated genomic data management solutions in healthcare. Microsoft Corp. and BC Platforms will build the first proof of concept case with Helsinki University Hospital in 2016.

“Microsoft is the first cloud provider recognized by the European Union’s data protection authorities for the commitment of rigorous EU privacy laws, which is one of the main reasons BC Platforms decided to implement our computing and analytics on Microsoft Azure,” Tero Silvola, CEO of BC Platforms commented on the collaboration.

With this collaboration, BC Platforms can bring more new customers on board with the confidence that the solution can be rapidly up-scaled as needed.

“With Microsoft Azure, we don’t have to worry about setting up additional infrastructure or whether we can sustain growth with the current capacity in our data centers. Instead, we can seamlessly connect our current infrastructure with cloud,” says Chief Architect Timo Kanninen at BC Platforms.

”We are delighted to be providing these genomics solutions on Microsoft Azure, in collaboration with BC Platforms. Together, we can provide a complete platform for the interpretation of complex genomic and clinical data across key international markets,” said David Heckerman, distinguished scientist at Microsoft.

IT Director, Mikko Rotonen from University Hospital Helsinki commented: “Microsoft and BC Platforms are committed to the integration of genomic data, alongside clinical data, to provide the best health outcomes for patients. We are pleased to be working with both companies to tackle the major challenges that we currently face in translating this data into clinical benefits.”